Cop unions back Brewer for DA

San Diego  A group of law enforcement unions announced Wednesday it is endorsing Bob Brewer in next year's race for district attorney, snubbing incumbent Bonnie Dumanis.

The unions represent county sheriff's deputies and police officers in San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Oceanside, Carlsbad and San Diego schools, among others.

In an announcement in front of San Diego police headquarters, representatives of the group said that Dumanis was not a strong enough "partner" for law enforcement, and as the district attorney does not communicate well and is too political.

"Change is needed in the District Attorney's Office," said Brian Marvel, head of the San Diego police officers union. "We've been disappointed with Bonnie's lack of communication with our communities. It seems we only hear from her when Election Day approaches."

Brewer, a lawyer in private practice specializing in civil litigation and white-collar defense work, is challenging Dumanis, who is seeking her fourth, four-year term. He said the endorsement "significantly changes the dynamics" in the race.

"Today is a game changer because when this many law enforcement associations, which represent thousands of police officers, when they say it is time for a new district attorney, the public must listen," Brewer said.

Since being first elected district attorney in 2002, Dumanis has not faced a challenger. In 2010, law enforcement unions declined to endorse her even though she was running unopposed.

After Wednesday's announcement, Dumanis said she has her own supporters among law enforcement, including Sheriff Bill Gore, and organizations representing black and Latino police officers and investigators in her office.

"I have widespread support in the law enforcement community, and I'm proud of the endorsements I have," she said.

Marvel and Matt Clay, president of the union representing sheriff's deputies, said Dumanis has not aggressively pursued criminal charges against people who assault or injure police officers while they are being arrested.

Brewer has pledged to set up a special unit dedicated to crimes against police officers. Dumanis said she has recently done the same, as have other prosecutors in the state.

Marvel and Clay also said Dumanis has not been enough of an outspoken critic of a prison realignment law, which the Legislature approved in 2011 to shift responsibility for some inmates and parolees to county jails and probation departments to ease prison overcrowding. Some law enforcement officials have said the shift has made communities less safe.

Dumanis challenged that claim, saying she has never favored the legislation and opposed it after Gov. Jerry Brown proposed it. Since it went into effect in October 2011, she said she has worked to "to fix the things we can" about the program and ensure public safety.

Clay said his organization concluded that it was time for Dumanis to move on.

"Bonnie Dumanis has been a fine public servant, but following her 12 years as district attorney we believe new leadership is in order," he said.

Brewer said after the announcement that many law enforcement officers he has spoken to since beginning the campaign have complained that prosecutors have declined to file charges when officers have been assaulted by suspects. "It's a big problem," he said.

Dumanis said her office files charges, which can range from resisting arrest to assault on an officer, when cases warrant it.

Brewer also said that he would not ignore instances where police officers are accused of using excessive force. "We'll take a look at that, too," he said."Police officers don't get carte blanche."